Scott Ponds Natural Area dam construction starts next week

For the Trail-Gazette

Posted:
07/12/2016 02:47:45 PM MDT

Construction is expected to begin Monday for the Scott Ponds Natural Area dam modification project. The Town of Estes Park's contractor, American West Construction, will rehabilitate and improve both existing dams. This involves breaching the existing dam embankment, installation of new outlet works and construction of new spillways and dam embankments. Rehabilitation of the dams will improve flood control, achieve compliance with state regulations and maintain a valued recreational amenity for the community. The project is expected to be complete by mid-October.

Grant funding for this flood recovery project is provided through Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Colorado Disaster Emergency Funds.

Reminder: Electric Rate public hearing July 26

In order to maintain infrastructure and high-quality electric service and fund necessary capital improvements, the Town of Estes Park is considering rate increases. Proposed rates are available at www.estes.org/electricrates.

A presentation to the Town Board at its June 28 meeting can be viewed at www.estes.org/videos. The final public meeting is July 26 at 7 p.m. in the Town Board Room of Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Ave. Meeting details can be confirmed at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings. If adopted, the new rates will take effect September 1, 2016, and will be reflected on October bills. Written comments may be submitted to townclerk@estes.org throughout the process and no later than July 25 at 5 p.m.

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More details are available in a recent news release.

Town Board considers transfer of Senior Services

With the design of the Estes Valley Community Center (EVCC) well underway, the Town of Estes Park and Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD) are striving to establish a solid foundation for the operation of the future facility. Following discussions between representatives of the Town and EVRPD, the Town Board will consider adopting a resolution that states the Town's intent to transfer Senior Services to EVRPD upon the opening of the EVCC.

Integration of Senior Services into a multigenerational EVCC was the primary recommendation of the Town's 2013 Senior Center Master Plan, receiving strong support through the public process. The management of Senior Services by EVRPD, as the future EVCC owner, would allow for integration into the facility and streamlined programming by a single managing entity. No operating or lease agreements would be necessary to manage the interests of two agencies.

Terms and conditions of the Town's transfer of Senior Services to EVRPD will be further defined in a future Intergovernmental Agreement between the two organizations. The draft resolution to be considered by the Town Board proposes the following terms and conditions:

• The Town will transfer all sales tax revenues from Ballot Issue 1A designated for the EVCC to EVRPD for construction of the facility;

• EVRPD will provide generally the same types of Senior Services programming as the Town currently provides with the exception of meal services;

• the Town and EVRPD will negotiate the transfer of the Town's existing Senior Services employees to EVRPD; and,

• EVRPD will be solely responsible for the design and construction of the EVCC and the Town will not have space and design requirements.

Through this process, the Town will remain committed to providing a solid foundation for the continuation of Senior Services for Estes Valley residents. Pending agreement of terms and approval by both governing boards, the Town and EVRPD would begin working together on a transition plan for Senior Services. Integral to the success of the transfer will be Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, Inc., volunteers and stakeholders in Senior Services, and the entire community.

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